25/02/2019
What is First Aid?
First aid refers to the emergency or immediate care you should provide when a person is injured or ill until full medical treatment is available. For minor conditions, first aid care may be enough. For serious problems, first aid care should be continued until more advanced care becomes available.
The decision to act appropriately with first aid can mean the difference between life and death. Begin by introducing yourself to the injured or ill person. Explain that you are a first aid provider and are willing to help. The person must give you permission to help them; do not touch them until they agree to be helped. If you encounter a confused person or someone who is critically injured or ill, you can assume that they would want you to help them. This is known as “implied consent.”
SCENE SAFETY
Assessing the safety of the surroundings is critical when approaching any scene. You do not want to become another person who is injured or ill so look for any potential dangers. Remove the person from any dangers, such as presence of water at the scene. Be especially alert to avoid danger from automobile traffic.
HAND WASHING AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR
Hand washing is essential in prevention of disease and illness. Wash your hands after each episode of care and after taking off gloves. Also, be sure to wash the injured/ill person’s hands at the first opportunity. When a sink is not available, use hand sanitizes. (Most hand sanitizes are alcohol-based and are substitute for hand washing when needed.)
Hand Washing:
Proper hand washing technique is fairly simple:
Completely wet your hands and generously apply soap.
Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds (Figure 1).
Rinse your hands with plenty of running water.
Dry your hands with a towel or air dryer.
FIRST AID KIT
First Aid Kit
Consider purchasing a commercially available first aid kit or making your own. Having one available around the house, in your car, and at your place of work is essential.
Common items found in a first aid kit are:
1. Bandages, roller bandages and tape
2. (Sterile) Gauze
3. Antiseptic wipes and swabs
4. Absorbent compresses
5. Antibiotic cream
6. Burn ointment
7. Mask for breathing (rescue breathing/CPR)
8.Chemical cold pack
9. Eye shield and eye wash
10. First aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers
THANK YOU...
